Unmasked and unfiltered neurodivergent stories. Join me, Erin, as I chat to fellow autistic and ADHD people about their experiences of neurodivergence.
Exploring Autistic Comedy and Authenticity with Robert White
In this episode, Robert White shares his journey as an autistic, gay comedian who has navigated the world of stand-up, television, and touring while staying true to himself. We discuss how he balances authenticity, improvisation, and the challenges of performance through an autistic lens, highlighting the importance of humor in addressing social issues.Key Topics:
Robert White's background in comedy and achievements, including Britain's Got Talent and Edinburgh Festival awards
How Robert scripts and improvises his routines, comparing his approach to jazz improvisation
The role of masking and authenticity in performance for autistic individuals
Audience demographics and the importance of connection over controversy
Handling sensory sensitivities, audience reactions, and stage anxiety as an autistic performer
The use of comedy as a tool to provoke thought on identity, politics, and social justice
The impact of societal attitudes on neurodivergence and sexuality
The balance between masking and being oneself on and off stage
Reflections on the politics of identity, including neurodivergence, sexuality, and race
Robert White - Official Website (https://robertwhitecomedy.co.uk/)
Britain's Got Talent - Official Page (https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/britains-got-talent)
Malcolm Hardy Award - Edinburgh Festival (https://edinburghfestival.list.co.uk/award/malcolm-hardy-award/)
Jewish Comedian Joe Brand (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Brand)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/robertwhiteuk)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/robertwhiteuk)
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Robert White's career and achievements
00:45 - The work behind rehearsed and scripted comedy routines
01:58 - Improvisation in comedy and jazz analogy
02:48 - The diversity of Robert’s projects beyond stand-up
03:18 - Balancing spontaneity and scripting in performances
04:28 - Audience composition and neurodivergent viewers
05:09 - The typical audience for Robert’s comedy shows
06:04 - Audience reactions at private parties versus mainstream gigs
07:41 - Experiences on Britain’s Got Talent and stage anxiety
08:57 - Managing sensory and social sensitivities on stage
10:22 - The calculation process in handling large audiences
11:19 - The role of masking and authenticity in comedy
12:27 - How stage processes help manage anxiety and audience reading
12:56 - Genuineness during improvised moments in shows
13:36 - Masking as a tool versus a negative aspect
14:05 - The societal view on masking and authenticity
15:16 - The persona vs. genuine self on stage
16:39 - The evolution of Robert’s comedy from self-masking to authenticity
17:33 - The significance of connecting with an audience as your true self
18:13 - Impactful moments from the stage that foster genuine connection
19:21 - Political and social commentary in comedy
20:18 - The influence of societal issues on comedy content
21:39 - The intersection of neurodivergence, sexuality, and social justice
22:44 - Society’s treatment of neurodivergent individuals today
23:33 - The power of humor in addressing identity and societal topics
24:25 - Anti-hate messaging through comedy
25:21 - Audience reactions and family influence
25:40 - Final thoughts and encouragement for authenticity in performance
26:43 - Closing remarks and upcoming performancesResources & Links:
Connect with Robert White:
https://www.robertwhitecomedy.com
https://www.instagram.com/robertwhitejoke/
https://www.facebook.com/robertwhitecomedian
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3jYsk2CL6f9Yh0b1s5iSgQ
https://www.tiktok.com/@robertwhitejoke
1 Jun 2026
School & Audhdacious Humans
Ever felt overwhelmed trying to fit neurodivergent kids into a system that just wasn't built for them?
Working with families in education, we see it all — small class sizes, flexible timings, and truly personalized learning can make a difference.
But what if the entire system shifted to prioritize understanding and individuality?
Imagine classrooms where every child is seen, heard, and respected for who they are. No more one-size-fits-all, just truly human education.
It starts with honest conversations and rethinking what learning really means. I chat to @audhdaucioushumans. Martha and Jenni are the founders of AuDHDacious Humans, where they support discombobulated families to understand sensory systems, reframe behaviour, and ditch the systems that break them. With 40 years of combined teaching experience, they met at a progressive school where they became each other's children's key teachers. But despite knowing exactly what neurodivergent children needed, they realised their own AuDHD/PDA kids weren't school-shaped, not even alternative-school-shaped. So three years ago, they left the education system and started their real education.
They went on to create Make & Create Club, a flexible, low-demand space where rule makers and rule breakers thrive. As late-diagnosed AuDHDers parenting pressure-sensitive children, they've lived this experience themselves, unravelling everything they thought they knew about parenting and education.
Some people call it a journey. They call it a reckoning.
What change could you see making the biggest difference?
25 May 2026
Autistic Joy with Jon and Erin
Most of us take joy for granted—until we realise we’ve been suppressing it. Jon and I share how embracing authentic excitement transformed our lives. What if you stopped suppressing your passions and let yourself feel this all-consuming happiness? This episode breaks down the subtle yet powerful ways neurodivergent minds experience joy differently—whether through stimming, hyperfocus, or sensory-rich interests. You’ll discover: the significance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people who celebrate your enthusiasm, how unmasking can unlock deeper happiness, and why advocating for your needs is a form of self-love. We explore the barriers neurodivergent individuals face when embracing their joy, from societal expectations to internalised shame, revealing how self-acceptance opens the door to genuine fulfilment. We also delve into the quirks that make neurodivergent joy so unique—and why these are more than coping mechanisms: they are vital channels for self-regulation and happiness. With humour and empathy, we discuss how these joys ripple into everyday life—strengthening friendships, easing parenting, and fostering deep self-awareness. Particularly powerful is the reflection on how diagnosis changes everything—empowering us to be unapologetically ourselves.
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